“When Americans lend a hand to one another, nothing is impossible. We’re not about what happened on 9/11. We’re about what happened on 9/12.” — Jeff Parness
OK, I realize I’m 2 weeks late honoring all those affected by 9/11, but to paraphrase Mr. Parness, “We’re about what happened after 9/11.” On my drive to Malibu three times a week, I pass Pepperdine University, whose vast lawn displays close to 3,000 flags on that breathtaking view along the Pacific Coast Highway. Each flag waves in honor of an innocent victim and those brave first responders, as well as the national flag for each foreign country that lost a citizen in that tragedy.
Those flags always make me think of how important it is to honor everyday, living heroes while we can. I have to share a story of a hero born of a tragedy in my own family recently. I’m sharing this link of the syndicated article of my cousin’s story, which is a very quick read (2 minutes). But I have a few comments I’d like to add to the journalist’s excellent piece.
My cousin Austin, who served 4 years in the Air Force in Viet Nam, was struck on his motorcycle last year by a drunk driver on a country road in Georgia. He was thrown into the woods, severing his dominant arm and causing multiple other injuries. He was lucky to have survived after having to wait to be airlifted to a major hospital. And I’ll never forget his response when the doctors who treated him had to inform him that he’d lost one of his arms: “Well, at least I can still mow the lawn.”
What an attitude! The man knows what is important. Gratitude in the face of major loss.
I like to think one of these flags flies for Austin. Thank you for your service in Viet Nam, and being a living example of what it means to stand for the land of the free and the home of the brave. Austin is a true hero, who you probably will not see featured on “60 Minutes” but is one of those everyday heroes that touch and inspire those who know him.
I’ll salute you when I drive past those flags tomorrow, Austin.
“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.”
–Anonymous